Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 49:

In page 19, subsection (4), between lines 43 and 44, to insert the following:

"(d) measures to prevent and reduce homelessness.".

The amendment is intended to ensure homelessness is identified in the Bill. The section covers housing allocation, which is probably the most important function of a housing authority. Its housing allocation must be seen as fair and consistent and it must take all the applicant's circumstances into account. As I said on Second Stage, I am concerned that homelessness is not clearly enshrined in law and the Bill provides the Minister of State with an opportunity to acknowledge that and to make this amendment. I urge him to take the amendment into consideration.